The Akwa Ibom State government has denied rumours that a case of coronavirus (Covid-19) has been confirmed in the South-south state.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, made this known during a routine update on the global pandemic at Government House Press Center, Uyo, on Wednesday.
While dispelling the rumours, Ukpong assured residents and indigenes of the state that the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is determined to continue to put in place measures to safeguard lives and properties.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to state emphatically that, as of today, there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 disease in Akwa Ibom State. If and when there is, it will be announced through official quarters.
“The state government has set up monitoring processes at the various entry points to the state, adding that the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo currently has the most sophisticated passengers screening facility/process in Nigeria.
“Functional ambulances and rapid response teams are on standby to move suspected or confirmed cases, if any, to the Emergency Operation and Treatment Centre (EOC), in Ikot Ekpene. We have distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to all health facilities to facilitate infection prevention and control.
“Other screening and infection materials have been procured and are being distributed to health facilities and other strategic locations in the State. These include Infra-red thermometers, hand sanitizers etc. We have set up incidents management rooms in the major secondary health care facilities in the state.
The commissioner noted that the Road Transport Workers union have been directed to provide handwashing facilities with soap and running water as well as hand sanitizers at the entrance to all parks/garages.
“Commercial vehicle operators are instructed to reduce the number of passengers in their vehicles by half of the standard capacity of the vehicle. Similarly, passengers are advised to wash their hands with soap and running water and sanitize them before and after each trip.”
